“The airline industry is caught between trying to satisfy customers who demand low prices, high-quality service and comfort, and contending with the economic challenges of profitably operating an airline,” said Stuart Greif, vice president and general manager of the global travel and hospitality practice at J.D. Power, reported CNN.

“Passengers want it all, but they are not necessarily willing to pay for it all.”

According to USA Today the survey was based on seven factors including ticket cost and fees; baggage handling; flight crew; reservations; check-in; airplane and boarding.

The survey found that low-cost carriers - JetBlue, Southwest, WestJet and AirTran - fared much better than network carriers - American, Air Canada, United, Delta with an average score of 754 for the former and 647 for the latter.